Basic Details
Word: Presume
Part of Speech: Verb
Meaning: To suppose something is true without proof, or to act without permission or proper authority.
Synonyms: Assume, suppose, infer, guess
Antonyms: Doubt, question, verify, prove
Idioms and Phrases
- Presume on someone's kindness: To take advantage of someone's generosity. Example: "You shouldn't presume on your friend's patience by showing up late every time."
- Presume too much: To overstep boundaries or act arrogantly. Example: "He presumed too much by speaking on behalf of the team without asking."
Usage Examples
Example 1: I presume she's coming to the party since she didn't say otherwise.
Example 2: Don't presume that he'll help you just because he did once.
Example 3: The teacher presumed the students had already completed the assignment.
Fun Fact
Did you know that "presume" comes from the Latin word *praesumere*, meaning "to take beforehand"? It's related to the word "assume," but often implies taking something for granted.
Famous Quote
"Never presume to know what motivates a man. It's better to ask than to assume." Anonymous
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "presume" mean?
a) To ask directly
b) To guess with no reason
c) To suppose something without proof
d) To argue strongly
Answer: c) To suppose something without proof
2. Which of these is a synonym of "presume"?
a) Verify
b) Assume
c) Confirm
d) Observe
Answer: b) Assume
3. Which is an antonym of "presume"?
a) Suppose
b) Infer
c) Verify
d) Guess
Answer: c) Verify
4. Which sentence uses "presume" correctly?
a) I presume he forgot to bring his ID.
b) She presume dancing every weekend.
c) They were presume by the teacher.
d) He is presume about lunch today.
Answer: a) I presume he forgot to bring his ID.
5. What does the phrase "presume on someone's kindness" mean?
a) Be kind to someone
b) Question someone's intentions
c) Take advantage of someone's generosity
d) Offer help without asking
Answer: c) Take advantage of someone's generosity
